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News of the Week

Citywide ban on single-use plastics comes into effect

The new legislation for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products comes into effect on April 22.

Some social oddities have emerged after implementing the reduced single-use plastics movement in Hong Kong. Since the new legislation regulating single-use plastic products took effect this Monday, citizens have had to change their lifestyle habits while restaurants still struggle to adapt.

However, many amusing and frustrating incidents have occurred due to the insufficient quality of alternatives.

Some citizens have used paper spoons to eat sticky rice chicken, which quickly softened and became impractical. Takeout food containers, including paper lids for soups, have melted when exposed to heat, resulting in spills.

What's even more absurd is that even the transparent containers used by chain supermarkets to sell sushi have been replaced with paper boxes, leaving customers unable to check the freshness of the food inside, almost like playing a game of "sushi blind box."

Chief Executive John Lee said he was optimistic about implementing the new plastic regulation initiative.

He called for concerted efforts by the public to promote the concept of environmental protection.

He also pointed out that the Environmental Protection Development's platform provides more than 700 types of non-plastic alternatives for plastic regulation with an abundant supply.

In addition, he attaches great importance to the adequacy of the supply of alternatives and the affordability of the public.

"In the future, we will continue to listen to the community's views to provide more choices for suppliers." He said.

HK welcomes over 200 delegates to the Second 2024 ABAC Meeting in HK

Chief Executive John Lee on April 23 hosted a welcome dinner for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council delegates attending the second 2024 ABAC Meeting in Hong Kong from April 22 to 25.

With the attendance of more than 200 ABAC members and staffers from APEC's 21 member economies, the second 2024 ABAC Meeting focuses its discussions on business sector priorities in the key areas of trade and investment facilitation, digital transformation, sustainability and inclusion under the theme "People, Business, Prosperity" for ABAC 2024, chaired by ABAC Peru.

Speaking at the welcome dinner, Lee highlighted the commitment of Hong Kong, China (HKC) to APEC. "We firmly believe in regional economic integration. We believe that cooperation at every level is essential to overcome our shared global challenges," he said.

"More than good business partners, the economies of APEC are incubators of ideas, promoting inclusive, innovative and sustainable growth for the Asia-Pacific region. We value the input and insights of ABAC and its business leaders in realizing these collective goals," he said.

Lee also shared with ABAC delegates HKC's growth strategy through innovation, inclusiveness, and sustainability, adding that he looked forward to working with the ABAC business community to foster regional growth.

CE: HK geared up for May Day holiday visitors

Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday (April 23) that the authorities are ready for an influx of visitors during the mainland's May Day holiday next month, with preparations in place at immigration control points.

Speaking to the press before attending the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said almost six million people are expected to enter or leave Hong Kong via the airport, rail, and land crossings in the first week of May.

He said special arrangements have been put in place for particularly busy periods.

In fact, in response to the increase in holiday visitors, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) announced on Thursday the introduction of a "Tourist Day Pass," allowing tourists from around the world to enjoy unlimited bus rides throughout the day to explore various districts for dining, entertainment, and leisure activities.

The day pass will be available for purchase starting this Saturday (April 27) through online platforms and designated sales points at a price of HK$55 per pass. It is valid for over 450 routes operated by KMB and Long Win Bus, covering all districts in Hong Kong.

Starting from May 1st, passengers with a valid Day Pass can also enjoy cash rebates when making electronic payments at various shopping malls in Hong Kong.

Observatory warns of heavier showers on Friday, stormy weekend

Hong Kong residents can expect heavier showers at times on Friday and a stormy weekend ahead as a trough of low pressure continues to bring unsettled weather over Guangdong, the Hong Kong Observatory said today.

The mainland railway authority announced on Thursday morning that it had adjusted some trains running between Hong Kong West Kowloon and Guangzhounan railway stations due to adverse weather

"Showers will be heavier at times tomorrow. There will still be showers and thunderstorms over the weekend," the Observatory said.

It had to issue the Amber Storm Warning Signal--which means heavy rain has fallen or is expected to fall over the city, exceeding 30 millimeters an hour--thrice this week due to the inclement weather.

The Observatory said the trough of low pressure is expected to weaken early next week. Still, another one is expected to form over the central Chinese mainland and edge closer to the southern coast midweek next week.